Amebiasis

Amebiasis is a disease caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica. Many people with amebiasis do not have any symptoms. However, the most common symptoms are abdominal cramps and loose stools. More severe cases may experience fever, chills and/or diarrhea with blood or mucous. Amebiasis is spread by consuming contaminated food or water, or touching contaminated surfaces. It can also spread sexually through oral-anal contact. For more information, see the health unit's fact sheet on amebiasis.

Simcoe Muskoka

The following graph shows the number of amebiasis cases in Simcoe Muskoka between 2000 and 2016. The number of cases of amebiasis in Simcoe Muskoka have been between two and 15 cases since 2000. In 2016, 15 cases of amebiasis were reported in Simcoe Muskoka.

The following graph shows the incidence rate of amebiasis in Simcoe Muskoka and Ontario between 2000 and 2016. The incidence rate in Simcoe Muskoka is lower than the Ontario rate. Since 2011, the incidence of amebiasis in Simcoe Muskoka appears to be increasing* while Ontario’s rate has remained relatively stable. In 2016, the Simcoe Muskoka incidence rate was 2.7 cases per 100,000 population, while Ontario’s incidence rate was 5.8 cases per 100,000.

There are many factors that influence how many cases are reported to the health unit, as explained on the Infectious Diseases page.

Provincial definitions classify cases as confirmed or probable based on clinical and/or laboratory diagnostic criteria. The provincial case definition for amebiasis changed in April 2009 to include a definition for probable cases. Previously, there was no probable case classification. The definitions of confirmed and probable cases for 2009 to present are comparable to confirmed cases before 2009.

*Due to small case counts, increases and decreases at the health unit level should be interpreted with caution.